Russell welcomes Ben Ptashnik--PDA National Campaign Coordinator and Director of the National Elections Integrity Coalition (NEIC).

Ben is a former Vermont State Senator, and a life-long human rights advocate, environmental activist, and community organizer. As a clean government activist and Chair of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), Ben organized the Vermont Campaign for Clean Elections in 1994, aimed at driving big money out of politics.

He was elected to the Vermont Senate in 1996, where he served on the Government Operations, Health and Welfare, Agriculture, and Economic development committees. He is focused on stopping climate change, ensuring clean elections, and promoting human rights as PDA Campaign Coordinator.